2 Zn(NO₃)₂ (s) → 2 ZnO (s) + 4 NO₂ (g) + O₂ (g)
Here's a breakdown of the reaction:
* Zn(NO₃)₂ (s): Zinc nitrate, in its solid state (s)
* ZnO (s): Zinc oxide, in its solid state (s)
* NO₂ (g): Nitrogen dioxide, in its gaseous state (g)
* O₂ (g): Oxygen gas, in its gaseous state (g)
Explanation:
This is a decomposition reaction, where one reactant breaks down into multiple products. In this case, the heat causes the nitrate ions (NO₃⁻) to decompose, releasing nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and oxygen gas (O₂). The zinc cations (Zn²⁺) then combine with the oxygen ions to form zinc oxide (ZnO).
Key points:
* This reaction requires heat to initiate the decomposition.
* The coefficients in the balanced equation (2, 2, 4, 1) ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.
* The products are a mixture of solid, liquid, and gaseous phases.
